Potatoes have been planted! Two pots of gold potatoes, a pot of red potatoes, and some purple ones! I may plant another pot of red potatoes, since those are my favorite! 😋

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwn #MaineGardens

There might be some pears set, not that the trees are big enough to support them. I might end up letting a few grown and bag them and tie the bags to stakes. Comice and Bosc. They both looks like they have some vigor this year too, lots of new growth pushing out.

#pears #FruitTrees #orchard #GrowYourOwn #gardening #April26

First, some frittata, a cuppa and a read.

Then shopping.

Then a cuppa of all home-grown and dried herbs with some store-bought calendula.

This is life. #joy

#Fermentation #Gardening #GardeningAU #GrowYourOwn

Boost your soil health naturally! 🌱✨

Discover the magic of Green Manures and how they can transform your garden plot in our latest guide. 🥬🚜

Blog here: https://vegplotter.com/blog/green-manure

#GardeningTips #GrowYourOwn #SoilHealth #GreenManure #AllotmentLife #OrganicGardening

Got to play in the dirt and mix up the potting soil. Put it all in the pot, got 'em stacked and sorted. Now I just need to put some seeds in and... collect some catch bins for water actually. Oops. Don't want my balcony garden raining on the neighbors. ☔ 

#BalconyGarden #ContainerGarden #UrbanGarden #GrowYourOwn #GreenWitch

#ClimateResilient #Gardening: How to Adapt Your Garden to #ExtremeWeather

ECO gardener, Nov 14, 2024

Excerpt: "Gardening in Extreme Weather

Gardening in extreme weather can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can protect plants and maintain a healthy garden:

Choose Weather-Resistant Plants
Opt for #DroughtTolerant, heat-resistant plants in hot climates (like succulents or lavender) and hardy, cold-resistant species in colder climates (like kale or coneflowers).

Use #Mulch to Retain Moisture and Insulate
Applying a thick layer of organic mulch helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, making it essential in both hot and cold conditions.

Install #ShadeCloth or Row Covers
In intense heat, a shade cloth can protect plants from direct sun, while row covers offer frost protection during cold spells.

Water Smartly
For hot weather, water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and avoid wetting foliage. In winter, water during the day when temperatures are above freezing to help roots absorb moisture before the ground freezes.

Consider #RaisedBeds
Raised beds help with drainage in #WetClimates and can warm up faster in colder weather, giving plants a more stable growing environment.

Wind Protection Strategies
Use windbreaks like shrubs, fencing, or netting to shield plants from damaging winds that can dry out or freeze foliage.

Invest in Hardy #ContainerGardens
For extreme weather, container gardens are versatile—easily moved to sunny spots, shady areas, or even indoors as needed. [I do this with tomatoes and other plants]

Optimize Soil Health
Healthy, well-drained soil holds moisture better in heat and protects roots from frost damage in winter. Regularly add compost to enrich soil.

Use #ColdFrames or #Greenhouses
These structures create a controlled environment, extending the growing season and protecting plants from temperature extremes.

Keep an Eye on Weather Patterns
Staying informed about sudden temperature changes can help you take timely action, like covering plants or adjusting watering schedules.

With these tips, you can create a resilient garden that adapts to extreme weather challenges while keeping your plants thriving."

Learn more:
https://ecogardener.com/blogs/news/climate-resilient-gardening

#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeGardening #FoodSecurity #ClimateChangeAdaptation #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO #GardeningChallenges #ResilientGarden #Resiliency

Something else I'm growing this year (in the #CommunityGarden)... #MammothSunflowers! Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant.

Sunflower Mammoth Planting Guide🌻

"1. Choose a Planting Location:
Sunflowers need full sun to grow tall and strong 🌞. Select a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

2. Prepare the Soil:
Sunflowers grow best in well-draining, fertile soil. Add compost to improve soil structure 🌾. Sunflowers can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5).

3. Planting Instructions:
Sow sunflower seeds about 1 inch deep, spacing them 6-12 inches apart 🌍. For larger varieties, space the plants 24-36 inches apart to give them room to grow tall.

4. Watering Requirements:
Sunflowers are drought-tolerant once established, but they need regular watering during their early growth stages 💧. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist.

5. Germination Time:
Sunflowers typically germinate in 7-10 days ⏳, depending on temperature.

6. Ongoing Care:
Once established, sunflowers need minimal maintenance. Keep the area weed-free and support taller varieties with stakes or cages 🌻. "

Source:
https://henrygarden.co/pages/sunflower-mammoth-planting-guide

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #GardeningForBirds #Sunflowers #GYO #DroughtResistantCrops